Sound fire prevention expertise leads to savings and increased safety

As a specialist in structural fire prevention, Murre - de Visser Fire Prevention has more to offer than just making buildings fire and smoke resistant. It brings additional expert knowledge which enables it to proactively optimize fire prevention on the one hand and minimize costs on the other. Expertise is anyway what sets Murre - de Visser apart. "Both the office and field staff ensure that their knowledge is continuously up to standard. In addition, we are regularly trained by the manufacturers of the fire-resistant products," says Thijs Peene, who is responsible for the calculations as a calculator.

Murre - de Visser Fire Prevention specializes in fireproofing (steel) structures and fire separations. She is involved in wonderful projects. For example, she was recently allowed to make the steel structure of the tallest residential building in the Benelux fire-resistant, namely the Zalmhaven Tower in Rotterdam. "Because we know the regulations - from Bouwbesluit to NEN - as well as the manufacturers' standards well, we can advise and think along with you from A to Z in every project. We take our work extremely seriously and ensure that we are always up to date with the latest developments. Moreover, we record all our activities in a logbook. We make visual material that we double-check in the office and the project managers regularly carry out spot checks on site."

Saving lives

They are necessary activities that can save lives. Because although there are rules in the Netherlands about what fire prevention must be realized and the manner in which, those who apply these fire-resistant coatings do not themselves have to be certified. "Anyone can take a brush and apply a fire-resistant coating," Peene knows. "The chances of a layman doing this according to the standard are, of course, quite small. For each installation, our mechanics are given clear information about what needs to be done and this is also checked by us, so that all work is properly secured."

Saving

At the start of a project, Murre - de Visser Fire Prevention begins with a thorough analysis. "Depending on the building, requirements are set for the main load-bearing structure and fire separations regarding the duration of the fire resistance. Based on our own inspection or a supplied report, we look closely at what these requirements should be for each aspect and how we can meet them. Each profile in a steel structure, for example, is different. Some are half embedded in a concrete floor, while others are entirely under a floor. This affects the speed at which the profile will heat up in the event of a fire. That fact then determines the choice of fire protection device to be applied. A profile that heats up more slowly can probably be covered with thinner material, which is also more economical than thicker material. In any case, we regularly find that structural engineers specify more steel cladding than is required. So our knowledge certainly provides financial benefits for clients as well. A huge challenge is that every type of pipe, air duct, fire damper and cable must be sealed differently. We know what the rules are and also take into account the space around an installation when making our choice."

Total package

What sets Murre - de Visser Fire Prevention apart is its ability to offer total packages. "The team from the finishing department then realizes the fire separations and we then finish them," Peene said. "Timing is often essential. Because we work together seamlessly, we can make seals above a ceiling, for example, before the ceilings are installed."